The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop help!

my 216 expired a few weeks ago and being a daily driver and key to my livelihood i am currently looking at options to resurrect my truck.

can anyone tell me if i could drop an already rebuilt 235 directly (and i mean directly, no fuss, no muss, i need a direct bolt up!)? i want to keep the original 216, rebuild it when i can but get the truck back on the road as soon as possible. if it is not a direct bolt up, what kind of extras am i looking at having to deal with?

would i be better off rebuilding the 216 right away and if so do i upgrade the connecting rods eliminating the babbitt bearings, put in hardened valve seats, etc.?

my third option is just to buy a junker truck to get me around while i work on the original 216 over time and then eventually get it back on the road. don't like this option so much as it means the truck will be sitting for some time and i hate to see it just sitting there.

any thoughts?

Are you referring to a 1950 Chevrolet 3600 truck?

If it is a low pressure 235 it would be almost a direct bolt up (maybe have to deal with the front motor mount).

If it is a 54/55 truck engine, it's a direct bolt-up (using your clutch housing and clutch assembly).

If it is a late 1955 or newer 235, you'll have a few modifications that you will have to do. This topic arises about twice a week. You might want to look at previous posts in the engine/driveline forum.

If need a running truck in short order, your quickest solution is the rebuilt 235.

What year 235 engine do you have?

sorry i wasn't more specific in my inquiry.

i have a 1950 chevrolet 3/4 ton pickup that is completely original. it has a 216 matched to a 4 speed transmission on the floor.

i don't have a 235 engine as of yet, but was wondering if a 235 would bolt up directly to the trans and motor mounts. if i need to find a low pressure 235 that's what i will try to do. i can use as much information that anyone can provide.

i do not want to drop an engine in the truck that would require alteration to frame or mounts or anything. my goal would be first to get the truck back on the road but if rebuilding the original 216 is too time consuming, i would entertain putting an already rebuit engine in it for now and some time down the road when i have more time and money, rebuild the 216 and drop it back in the truck.

any information is welcomed!

Just a thought ,there are alot of 216s all over the place mabe it would be better and cheaper just to get a 216 and drop it in then rebuild the original at some time if Your happy with a 216 and they do run , I do see free 216s listed , mabe a junk yard or a fellow bolter has got one , I am going to put mine back in so You cann't have her.
Pete

My thought was the same as Pete's. Lots of people take 216's out not because anything is wrong with them, but because they want something else. Maybe you can score one of those...

going to check into that option tomorrow. i have no problem with dropping another 216 in the truck. just thought that 235's might be a little more available.

thanks for the idea! will look into it.

I also agree. A running 216 is easy to come by, more difficult though when you are in a hurry. I didn't think a 216 could die! I thought they just started smoking. Those hot rod guys are always yanking 216's. Perhaps a local car club could help you. Or ask in the classifieds here.